If you’ve ever stared at an outdated fireplace and wished it could magically become Pinterest-worthy, you’re not alone. When we moved into our home, the first thing I noticed was the dark, heavy lava rock fireplace dominating our entryway. It made the whole space feel smaller and dated. I wanted something bright, fresh, and welcoming, without spending thousands on a complete remodel. This DIY fireplace makeover was done on a budget, using simple tools and supplies, and while it was definitely a labor of love, the result completely changed the feel of our home.

lava rock fireplace restoration and remodel before and after pictures

The Before: A Dark “Black Hole” in Our Entry

brown lava rock fireplace before transformation

When we moved into our house two and a half years ago, the fireplace was the first thing I wanted to tackle. The brown lava rock was faded, dusty, and so dark it made our entryway feel small and dingy.

The problem? Lava rock is the absolute worst to work with. It’s jagged (your hands will hate you) and super porous, so it collects dust like nothing else. What I thought might be a quick weekend project turned into a two-and-a-half-year saga of blue painter’s tape, half-finished whitewash, and zero motivation.

My Plan: A German Smear / Whitewash

From the start, I wanted to brighten the stone with a German smear because it seemed like the cheapest option. In hindsight, a wood facade might have been prettier, faster, and cost about the same once you factor in the amount of grout I needed.

For reference, here’s what I used and spent:

7 bags of grout
1 can of Kilz primer
Total cost: about $150

Still budget-friendly for a full fireplace transformation, but definitely more time-intensive than I expected.

Step 1: Prime and Seal

I started with a whitewash of Kilz to seal in the color. This mostly worked, though a few orange tones still peeked through.

Step 2: Fill the Grooves

Next, I used grout to fill in the deep grooves between the stones, trying to level out the surface. This is when the “giraffe wall” nickname was born — the uneven pattern looked just like spots!

Step 3: Round Out the Rocks

I applied another coat of grout, this time brushing it over more of the rock to soften and round the jagged edges.

lava rock fireplace remodel progress picture

Step 4: Final Whitewash Touches

Once the grout dried, I went back in with more whitewash on the darker stones until the overall tone felt bright and even.

Stove and Mantel Updates

The wood stove got a coat of high-heat enamel paint (the same kind used for grills). It stinks like spray paint, so if you try this, wait until you can ventilate well. I also used rub-n-buff to freshen up the gold details and grates.

For the mantel, I stripped it with oven cleaner, sanded it smooth, and finished with mineral oil. I’m still debating a stain later, but after this marathon project, it can wait.

The After: Brighter, Cleaner, and Ready for Holidays

Finished lava rock fireplace, white german smear with wood mantle and mirror

lava rock fireplace decorated for Christmas

By the time Thanksgiving rolled around, the fireplace was almost finished, just in time to be the backdrop for our extended holiday table. It now feels like a true focal point in our home, especially at Christmas.

Would I refinish lava rock again? Probably not. Next time, I’d likely cover it with a wood facade. But for now, I’m so happy we pushed through. The room feels bigger, lighter, and way more welcoming.